Magnesium Sulfate Injections

Magnesium Sulfate Injection is used to: Treat and prevent low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) Control seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia during pregnancy Manage acute asthma exacerbations Correct cardiac arrhythmias caused by low magnesium Serve as a tocolytic (preventing preterm labor) Support electrolyte balance in critical care

The duration of effect from a magnesium sulfate injection depends on the dose and individual patient needs. Typically, clinical effects last 4–6 hours after administration, but ongoing benefits can extend longer with repeated dosing or infusions.

Magnesium sulfate injection is classified as a high alert medication due to its potential for serious side effects if improperly administered, including respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and severe hypotension. Proper dosing and careful monitoring are essential for patient safety.

Patients may receive magnesium sulfate injections for: Correcting and preventing magnesium deficiency Seizure prevention and control in pregnancy-related hypertension (eclampsia, preeclampsia) Severe, treatment-resistant asthma attacks Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats Certain types of poisoning or electrolyte imbalances

Most patients report a sense of relaxation and muscle ease after a magnesium infusion. Some experience warmth, mild flushing, or sleepiness. Clinical improvement in symptoms such as muscle cramps or arrhythmias can often be noticed within hours.

Avoid magnesium infusions if you have: Severe kidney disease Heart block or significant heart rhythm disorders without a pacemaker Myasthenia gravis Known hypersensitivity to magnesium sulfate

Frequent side effects include: Flushing or warmth Mild hypotension (low blood pressure) Nausea or vomiting Drowsiness or fatigue Muscle weakness Serious side effects (rare): difficulty breathing, severe drop in blood pressure, arrhythmias, or paralysis.

Magnesium sulfate injection typically costs $5–$30 per dose in clinical settings, though prices may vary by hospital, dose, and insurance coverage. Bulk or wholesale purchases may reduce costs for pharmacies and clinics.

Yes. Due to potential toxicity, especially with kidney impairment or overdosage, magnesium sulfate is considered a high risk or high-alert drug. Dosage and patient monitoring are vital for safety.

When administering magnesium sulfate, monitor: Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) Respiratory rate Blood pressure and heart rate Renal function Serum magnesium levels Signs of magnesium toxicity

Hospitals use magnesium IV infusions for: Rapid correction of magnesium deficiency Seizure prevention/control in pregnancy Acute asthma attacks unresponsive to standard therapy Urgent treatment of cardiac arrhythmias

Magnesium sulfate works within 30 minutes to 1 hour of IV administration, providing fast relief for deficiencies, muscle cramps, arrhythmias, or severe preeclampsia.